Comments on: Why do we love romance? http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/ Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:05:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Kris Kennedy http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2359 Kris Kennedy Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:16:42 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2359 I agree with Melissa ~ there's just no one reason people are drawn to romance, or to any sort of art, I suspect. That being said, I think there's probably a handful of reasons that are shared by a lot of the people who love it. I don't know, Tiff, why I read romance. LOL I mean, I don't know as far as how it interacts with my main romance, my man for the last 20 years of my life (as of next week.) :-) I always suspect I read romance b/c of the hopefulness of it all, & the emotional highs and lows that feel so intense and immediate. I also like people to learn and grow as a result of the events in their world, and I like to experience the feeling of 'real people.' i.e. I prefer chracter depth and transformation. And in many other genre books, you don't get the deep character arc as much. And if you do get deep emotion, well, often it's of the 'Heart-Wrenching Pain' variety, which is TOTALLY not what I want. And I want people ti change as a result. But I also like plot & high stakes. I like seeing heroines & heroes doing things I would NEVER do. You do see that a lot in romance, which is really fun! I love repartee/ dialogue too, and I think the romance genre gives some of the best of that. I also like people doing things for the right reasons: i.e. I like my values reinforced. I like to see people struggling but in the end doing things for the right reason. And I think you get a pretty good dose of that in romance. ;-) Great post, Tiff! I agree with Melissa ~ there’s just no one reason people are drawn to romance, or to any sort of art, I suspect. That being said, I think there’s probably a handful of reasons that are shared by a lot of the people who love it.

I don’t know, Tiff, why I read romance. LOL I mean, I don’t know as far as how it interacts with my main romance, my man for the last 20 years of my life (as of next week.) :-)

I always suspect I read romance b/c of the hopefulness of it all, & the emotional highs and lows that feel so intense and immediate.

I also like people to learn and grow as a result of the events in their world, and I like to experience the feeling of ‘real people.’ i.e. I prefer chracter depth and transformation. And in many other genre books, you don’t get the deep character arc as much. And if you do get deep emotion, well, often it’s of the ‘Heart-Wrenching Pain’ variety, which is TOTALLY not what I want. And I want people ti change as a result.

But I also like plot & high stakes. I like seeing heroines & heroes doing things I would NEVER do. You do see that a lot in romance, which is really fun! I love repartee/ dialogue too, and I think the romance genre gives some of the best of that.

I also like people doing things for the right reasons: i.e. I like my values reinforced. I like to see people struggling but in the end doing things for the right reason. And I think you get a pretty good dose of that in romance.
;-)

Great post, Tiff!

]]> By: Arlene http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2358 Arlene Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:24:41 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2358 Hi Tiffany, I remember reading romances when I was a teenage babysitter. At that time, I think I was fascinated by the dynamic of adult relationships seeing how I had never been on a date! Then oh so many years later while at home with my then toddler son, I picked up a Nora Roberts book - it was right when she hit mainstream media and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I loved it. I loved the characterization, and the emotion, and I especially loved the HEA. As Melissa points out, there are probably as many reasons for reading as there are readers. Sorry to join the party so late - just opened my CRW loop email and saw you were over here. Hi Tiffany, I remember reading romances when I was a teenage babysitter. At that time, I think I was fascinated by the dynamic of adult relationships seeing how I had never been on a date! Then oh so many years later while at home with my then toddler son, I picked up a Nora Roberts book – it was right when she hit mainstream media and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I loved it. I loved the characterization, and the emotion, and I especially loved the HEA. As Melissa points out, there are probably as many reasons for reading as there are readers. Sorry to join the party so late – just opened my CRW loop email and saw you were over here.

]]> By: Tricia Schneider http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2357 Tricia Schneider Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:43:05 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2357 I think I inherited reading romances from my mother! But once I started, I was hooked. It's the happily-ever-after I'm all about. I like reading other genres too, but I get really frustrated without that HEA. I've been reading romances since my early teens, years before my own Prince Charming came along. I think romances are an extension of those fairy tales that we grew up with as children, some re-told and re-envisioned. I think I inherited reading romances from my mother! But once I started, I was hooked. It’s the happily-ever-after I’m all about. I like reading other genres too, but I get really frustrated without that HEA. I’ve been reading romances since my early teens, years before my own Prince Charming came along. I think romances are an extension of those fairy tales that we grew up with as children, some re-told and re-envisioned.

]]> By: Tiffany James http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2356 Tiffany James Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:54:07 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2356 Chiron, Haha! You are one smart cookie, and since it takes one to know one *wink*, I answered your comment here and on Mamawriters! Thanks for the extra effort so that I could reap the benefits of your wisdom. I do the same - pick a book to suit my mood. I love that: "Chocolate treats wrapped up in a lovely story". That would make a great tagline, BTW. I'll have to check out Welcome to Redemption. I'm always up for a "warm and fuzzy". Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Tiffany Chiron,

Haha! You are one smart cookie, and since it takes one to know one *wink*, I answered your comment here and on Mamawriters! Thanks for the extra effort so that I could reap the benefits of your wisdom.

I do the same – pick a book to suit my mood. I love that: “Chocolate treats wrapped up in a lovely story”. That would make a great tagline, BTW.

I’ll have to check out Welcome to Redemption. I’m always up for a “warm and fuzzy”.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Tiffany

]]> By: Tiffany James http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2355 Tiffany James Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:48:50 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2355 I'm posting this comment for a colleague of mine who's comments won't post for some strange, cyper-rules reason: Alas, some blogs will not take my comments and often end up in the spam filter--you can check there for it. *rueful grin* OR--since I was clever enough to copy it and paste it here, you can always post it for me! Hi Tiffany! Happily married woman reporting in here. *grin* For me, I pick the genre to suit my mood. Sometimes, I need a gritty thriller to jump in because I'm edgy and crave some kick-butt action to work it off. *heh-heh* Mysteries are appealing when my mind needs a work-out, rather like a literary crossword puzzle. Romance is heart candy. That warm fuzzy glow is soothing, uplifting and inspiring. Chocolate treats wrapped up in a lovely story. So I crave romantic novels often if I need a lift or a reminder that happy endings can occur. Yet everytime I read a good romance, I sigh happily and yes, I fall even more in love with love (which translates to my wonderful hubby). Great post! Just last night I finished a short story by Donna Marie Rogers--Welcome to Redemption, and felt warm and fuzzy all over again!! Smiles, Chiron O'Keefe The Write Soul: www.chironokeefe.blogspot.com I’m posting this comment for a colleague of mine who’s comments won’t post for some strange, cyper-rules reason:

Alas, some blogs will not take my comments and often end up in the spam filter–you can check there for it. *rueful grin*

OR–since I was clever enough to copy it and paste it here, you can always post it for me!

Hi Tiffany!

Happily married woman reporting in here. *grin*

For me, I pick the genre to suit my mood. Sometimes, I need a gritty thriller to jump in because I’m edgy and crave some kick-butt action to work it off. *heh-heh* Mysteries are appealing when my mind needs a work-out, rather like a literary crossword puzzle.

Romance is heart candy. That warm fuzzy glow is soothing, uplifting and inspiring. Chocolate treats wrapped up in a lovely story. So I crave romantic novels often if I need a lift or a reminder that happy endings can occur. Yet everytime I read a good romance, I sigh happily and yes, I fall even more in love with love (which translates to my wonderful hubby).

Great post! Just last night I finished a short story by Donna Marie Rogers–Welcome to Redemption, and felt warm and fuzzy all over again!!

Smiles,
Chiron O’Keefe
The Write Soul: http://www.chironokeefe.blogspot.com

]]> By: Tiffany James http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2354 Tiffany James Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:41:57 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2354 Emma, I go through phases. I don't read romance as much as I used to, but there are times (especially in the summer) when I zip through book after book, devouring them during *sheepish throat clearing* baseball games, softball games and swim meets. Now, come on, I can only take so much athletic competition (esp. at my children's tender ages of 7 and 9 - not exactly Olympic competition - but fun on a limited basis...my exposure isn't limited.). Plus I'm sure to rip my gaze away from the page when my children are actively participating and offer regular cheers and encouragement. :0) Thanks for joining in the discussion. Tiffany Emma,

I go through phases. I don’t read romance as much as I used to, but there are times (especially in the summer) when I zip through book after book, devouring them during *sheepish throat clearing* baseball games, softball games and swim meets. Now, come on, I can only take so much athletic competition (esp. at my children’s tender ages of 7 and 9 – not exactly Olympic competition – but fun on a limited basis…my exposure isn’t limited.). Plus I’m sure to rip my gaze away from the page when my children are actively participating and offer regular cheers and encouragement. :0)

Thanks for joining in the discussion.

Tiffany

]]> By: Tiffany James http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2353 Tiffany James Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:35:01 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2353 Vi, Great insights! On one hand, I'm amazed at the variety of answers. However, on the other hand, I'm not all because it only makes sense that a genre that has experienced such success and popularity would reach each person on his or her "perceptive plane". I'm also surprised by the number of things I love about romance that I hadn't even thought of! Like you, I love the character arc. Thanks to you all, I'm finally figuring out how to express my love for romance novels. Thanks for joining me today, Vi! Tiff Vi,

Great insights! On one hand, I’m amazed at the variety of answers. However, on the other hand, I’m not all because it only makes sense that a genre that has experienced such success and popularity would reach each person on his or her “perceptive plane”.

I’m also surprised by the number of things I love about romance that I hadn’t even thought of! Like you, I love the character arc.

Thanks to you all, I’m finally figuring out how to express my love for romance novels.

Thanks for joining me today, Vi!

Tiff

]]> By: Emma Lai http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2352 Emma Lai Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:13:24 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2352 I've always be an avid reader of almost every genre. I like romances because they're an easy read...a good plot and great characters wile away the hours pleasantly. When life sucked...I read more romances. Now that I'm happy, I still read romances, but they're interspersed with mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, history, etc. I do like a romance that reminds me of the early days of my relationship with my husband., but it's not a requirement. I’ve always be an avid reader of almost every genre. I like romances because they’re an easy read…a good plot and great characters wile away the hours pleasantly. When life sucked…I read more romances. Now that I’m happy, I still read romances, but they’re interspersed with mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, history, etc. I do like a romance that reminds me of the early days of my relationship with my husband., but it’s not a requirement.

]]> By: Viola Estrella http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2351 Viola Estrella Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:55:23 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2351 Hi Tiffany, I've been married a little over eleven years and reading romance novels certainly doesn't hurt my marriage, that's for sure. LOL! But the main reason I love them is because I’m fascinated by the dynamics of a relationship, of chemistry, and of how authors can create such realistic characters, put them through hell, then bring them together in the end. I love the character arc and seeing how those characters change, or getting to know them better as more information is revealed. It’s like putting together a puzzle of sorts and as you get to the last few pages, the puzzle’s picture is revealed and there’s that aha moment, leaving me with a sense of satisfaction. And, yeah, like Melissa commented above, it certainly doesn’t hurt knowing I’m guaranteed a happy ending, or at least the hint of one. Hi Tiffany,
I’ve been married a little over eleven years and reading romance novels certainly doesn’t hurt my marriage, that’s for sure. LOL! But the main reason I love them is because I’m fascinated by the dynamics of a relationship, of chemistry, and of how authors can create such realistic characters, put them through hell, then bring them together in the end. I love the character arc and seeing how those characters change, or getting to know them better as more information is revealed. It’s like putting together a puzzle of sorts and as you get to the last few pages, the puzzle’s picture is revealed and there’s that aha moment, leaving me with a sense of satisfaction. And, yeah, like Melissa commented above, it certainly doesn’t hurt knowing I’m guaranteed a happy ending, or at least the hint of one.

]]> By: Tiffany James http://mamawriters.com/2009/07/why-do-we-love-romance/comment-page-1/#comment-2350 Tiffany James Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:37:04 +0000 http://mamawriters.com/blog/?p=1670#comment-2350 Melissa, I'm sure you are absolutely right! Trying to pinpoint romance readers is like trying to say all children are darling angels all the time (or vice versa - little monsters). :0) I'm so with you on the happy endings...for me, life is crazy and unpredictable enough. When I pick up a book, I like knowing that in the end, no matter how impossible it seems, things will work out. Thanks for taking part in the conversation! Tiff Melissa,

I’m sure you are absolutely right! Trying to pinpoint romance readers is like trying to say all children are darling angels all the time (or vice versa – little monsters). :0)

I’m so with you on the happy endings…for me, life is crazy and unpredictable enough. When I pick up a book, I like knowing that in the end, no matter how impossible it seems, things will work out.

Thanks for taking part in the conversation!

Tiff

]]>